CABA Information Series

IS-2010-152: Canadian Housing Observer 2009

This extensive report from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation provides statistics for the Canadian housing market in 2009. It focuses on initiatives in the private, not-for-profit, and government sectors on affordable housing for low-income persons and families (about 13% of the population). Affordable housing is defined as costing less than 30% of household income before taxes. Housing starts have been relatively strong above 200,000 annually. There was a slight decrease in starts and prices in 2008, but Canada did not experience a banking crisis like other countries. The relationship of water availability to housing is discussed with consideration for using rainwater, storm-water, and wastewater.